Step 2.4 Fade prompts in the least-to-most hierarchy

As the toddler learns the target skill or behavior, you will need to implement the plan to fade prompts.

Review how to fade prompts in Step 1.11.

Tips for Effective Least-to-Most Prompting

 
Prompts should focus the toddler’s attention on the target stimulus, not distract from it.
 

When delivering prompts:

  • Prompts should be as weak as possible.
  • Unplanned prompts should be avoided.
  • Prompts should be faded as quickly as possible.

When fading prompts:

  • Use fewer levels of prompts.  If a higher level of prompting is used, toddler may appear to be learning but may be dependent on the prompt not the cue.
  • Fading should be determined by monitoring toddler’s unprompted and prompted correct responses
  • Fade prompts and/or increase the response interval or wait time gradually and systematically.
  • Fade prompts as quickly as it is determined that toddler is responding without the prompts.
  • If prompts are not faded, prompt dependency can develop. Prompt dependency occurs as result of using prompts when not needed.